GARY Hart has pledged to repay Albion's faith in him by improving his goal tally.

The Seagulls' boy wonder signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract yesterday, which keeps him at the club until the summer of 2003.

Now he has his heart set on adding to the three goals he has scored this season.

"I was surprised to get offered a new deal," he admitted. "I snapped it up straight away.

"I had quite a good season last year, but I haven't started too well this time. To be offered a new contract helps me along. It gives me confidence and maybe I can repay them with goals."

Hart joined Albion on a one-year contract from Stansted 18 months ago for £1,000 and set of shirts. Brian Horton extended his terms to 2001 when he was boss.

Hart, 23, would have been entitled to a free transfer then under the Bosman ruling. Now the former forklift truck driver has a lucrative new deal and is moving into the area from Harlow.

"I never expected things to happen so fast, but I've got to keep my feet on the ground," he said. "And it will be nice to no longer do an 85-mile, one-way journey."

Captain Paul Rogers is expected to be fit for Albion's visit to Macclesfield on Sunday, despite a knee problem, but Gary Hobson has a recurrence of back trouble.

The kick-off for Albion's Combination League Cup tie versus Gillingham at Worthing next Wednesday has been brought forward to 2pm to avoid a clash with England's showdown against Scotland at Wembley.

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